STORM AND LOSS OF LIFE IN MELBOURNE.

Globe, Volume VIII, Issue 1091, 28 December 1877, Page 3

STORM AND LOSS OF LIFE IN MELBOURNE.

Melbourne was visited on the 15th instant by a most severe duststorm, the wind at times rising to hurricane force, and doing a considerable amount of damage. The gale lasted throughout the day, and is said to have been one of the most severe that ever passed over the city and suburbs. In the bay the gale blew with great force, especially during the early part of the day and towards sunset. The squalls were heavy and frequent; but no rain fell. No damage of any consequence to the shipping occurred. While the gale was at its height a fatal accident occurred at a house at the corner of Acland and Jackson streets, St. Kilda, by which two lives were sacrificed owing to the falling of the chimney stack. The house was in the occupation of Mr N. S. Marks, but he was in Gipps Land on business, and on Saturday night there were in the house Mrs Marks, her mother (Mrs Wolfe), Miss Levison, and a lad about nine years of age named Julian Jacobs, a son of Mr Jacobs, of Feldheim, Jacobs and Co., Queen street. Mrs Marks and the lad were sleeping in one of the bedrooms, while the other two ladies were in another room on the opposite side of the passage. At twenty minutes to eight o'clock in the morning they were awakened by hearing a terrific crash in tho other bedroom. They at once rushed to the door, but were unable to open it, and Mrs Wolfe then lost consciousness. Several of the neighbors, alarmed by the crash, at once went to the assistance of those in the house, and forced open the bedroom door. It was then found that one of the chimney stacks had been blown down, and forcing its way through the roof had fallen upon the bed, completely smothering Mrs Marks and the boy. The mass of brickwork, which must have weighed nearly two tons, was unbroken, and before it could be removed from the bodieß it had to be separated by means of a pickaxe. Medical assistance was sent for, and Dr. Dempster was soon in attendance, but his services were of no avail, as of course, when the debris was removed, it was found that life was extinct in both cases. From the injuries it is supposed that death must have been instantaneous. It is stated that Mrs Marks was heard to moan a few words, tut it appears almost impossible that she could have spoken after the mass fell on her. Both bodies are much cut and bruised. Mrs Marks lias several ribs and a leg fractured, besides many internal injuries, while the boy lias a fractured skull. The bedroom is a complete wreck. At one time it was feared that the shock would prove fatal to Mrs Wolfe, who is over seventy years of age. She remained in an unconscious state for many hours, but ehe ie now progressing faTorably.